Master of Arts in Faith-Based Theatre Specialization in Performing Arts

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Theatre

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced performing arts and faith-based theatre core

27 credit hours

Research, assessment, and program evaluation

12 credit hours

Professional application and field experience

12 credit hours

Graduate capstone requirement

9 credit hours

The Master of Arts in Faith-Based Theatre with a Specialization in Performing Arts provides an advanced academic framework for students to explore the intersection of dramatic arts and ethical, community-focused leadership. The curriculum emphasizes the rigorous study of theatrical production, dramaturgical analysis, and performance theory, while encouraging students to investigate how artistic expression can serve as a catalyst for meaningful discourse and social cohesion in diverse settings. Students engage in deep research, technical skill refinement, and the study of human narrative through a lens of stewardship and intentional craftsmanship. The program is designed to foster both artistic excellence and scholarly rigor, ensuring that graduates are prepared to lead in a variety of institutional and artistic environments. By balancing theoretical inquiry with practical application, this program equips students to utilize theatre as a powerful medium for reflection, communication, and community engagement. Through a commitment to rigorous inquiry and aesthetic integrity, the program prepares graduates to operate with high ethical standards in their professional practices.

The 60-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in faith-based theatre theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based theatre-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based theatre-support program; A professional training manual; A program-development and evaluation project; Another faculty-approved scholarly project.

The program is designed for completion within two academic years by students maintaining the University's prescribed full-time course load. Part-time students may require additional time.

Florida establishes a minimum of 24 semester credits beyond the bachelor's degree for a master's program. The University's 60-credit requirement is an institutional academic standard that exceeds that minimum.

Program Details

• Total Credits: 60
• Duration: 2 years
• Degree Level: Master

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Master of Arts in Faith-Based Theatre culminates in a capstone project that requires students to synthesize their scholarly research, artistic training, and ethical development into a comprehensive body of work. Students are expected to produce a live performance, a dramaturgical analysis, or a production plan that addresses a specific need within a community or nonprofit context, demonstrating high-level academic competence and professional readiness. This project serves as a demonstration of the student's ability to steward their talents toward a greater purpose, reflecting the principles of servant leadership and a commitment to building community through the arts. The project is weighted at 4 credit hours and is supervised by a faculty advisor who guides the student in ensuring academic rigor and ethical alignment. Students must provide a written reflection detailing how their project incorporates their worldview and principles of moral responsibility into their creative process. Through this culminating experience, students demonstrate not only their technical and theoretical expertise but also the growth of their character and their commitment to utilizing their vocational gifts to support the mission of faith-based and community-oriented organizations.

Career Opportunities

• Community Theatre Director
• Nonprofit Arts Administrator
• Creative Program Coordinator
• Dramatic Arts Instructor
• Performing Arts Consultant
• Community Engagement Liaison
• Nonprofit Outreach Coordinator

Important Notices

• The program educates ethical professionals who demonstrate technical excellence, servant leadership, professional integrity, and a commitment to apply sound principles to advance faith-based organizations, strengthen communities, and contribute responsibly.
• HBIU is a lawfully operating nonpublic faith-based postsecondary institution that maintains its status under section 1005.06(1)(f), Florida Statutes. The University annually affirms its compliance with the requirements applicable to faith-based institutions in Florida through Commission for Independent Education.
• HBIU accreditation from QAHE (for quality assurance in pre-tertiary and higher education mechanisms). QAHE offers globally recognized accreditation and quality assurance for higher education, training providers, and professional institutions worldwide. Students should consider the nature and scope of this recognition in relation to their individual certification and professional goals.
• Transfer credit is evaluated individually based on course content, credit hours, grades, institutional documentation, program requirements, and applicable university policies. Although HBIU provides academically structured programs, no institution can guarantee that another college, university, employer, licensing board, or credential-evaluation service will accept its credits or credentials. Students are encouraged to obtain advance written confirmation from the intended receiving organization.
• The program develops academic knowledge and applied competencies for service in faith-based organizations, nonprofit institutions, community programs, and related professional environments. Some occupations associated with the subject area may be regulated by governmental or professional authorities. A degree from HBIU demonstrates completion of the University's academic requirements but does not, by itself, confer professional licensure or legal authority to perform regulated services.
• Where a program is related to an external certification, eligibility is determined exclusively by the applicable certifying organization. Certification bodies may establish additional requirements involving education, examinations, experience, background screening, continuing education, or membership. HBIU does not guarantee certification eligibility or examination approval unless a formal written agreement expressly provides otherwise.
• Career and occupational information is provided to help students make informed educational decisions. Employment outcomes depend on factors such as the graduate's experience, geographic location, professional qualifications, employer requirements, economic conditions, interviewing ability, and any applicable licensure or certification requirements. Completion of a program does not constitute a promise of employment, promotion, job placement, or a particular occupational title.
• This program is delivered through online instruction. Students must have access to the technology, equipment, internet service, software, and learning resources identified in the University's technology requirements.
• Internship or field-experience participation is subject to academic eligibility, site availability, supervisor approval, and the requirements of the participating organization. The University assists students with the placement process but cannot guarantee placement with a particular organization, supervisor, location, or schedule.
• Students are responsible for reviewing the catalog, understanding program requirements, providing accurate information, meeting academic and financial obligations, and verifying whether the program supports their intended educational or professional goals.
• Completion of a University program does not authorize a graduate to use a professional title that is protected or restricted by law. Graduates must use titles that accurately reflect their education, credentials, employment role, and current licensure or certification status.
• Degree abbreviation | M.A. in Faith-Based Theatre
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced performing arts and faith-based theatre core | 27 credit hours
• Research, assessment, and program evaluation | 12 credit hours
• Professional application and field experience | 12 credit hours
• Graduate capstone requirement | 9 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• THE501 | Advanced Dramaturgy and Research | 4 | None
• HUM505 | Ethics in the Creative Arts | 3 | None
• THE510 | Performing Arts Pedagogy | 4 | None
• RES520 | Research Design for the Arts | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• THE525 | Advanced Directing and Staging | 4 | THE501
• COM530 | Community Arts Leadership | 3 | None
• THE540 | Technical Theatre for Production | 4 | None
• THE550 | Professional Development and Career Strategy in Theatre | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• THE605 | Contemporary Performance Theory | 4 | THE501
• THE615 | Specialized Performance Techniques | 3 | None
• MGT620 | Arts Administration and Grant Writing | 4 | None
• THE630 | Script Analysis and Adaptation | 3 | THE501
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP699 | Master's Capstone Project | 4 | RES520
• THE650 | Seminar in Theatrical Advocacy | 4 | None
• THE660 | Emerging Trends in Performing Arts | 3 | None
• CHR670 | Professionalism and Ethical Leadership | 3 | None